In late October and November, during the federal government shutdown, Pawling’s neighbors in need found themselves without the vital SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that are counted on to defray the rising cost of groceries. The 425 adults, 217 children and 123 seniors, who depend on the PRC to make healthy choices possible over and above that which can be purchased at local groceries through SNAP, no longer had that crucial lifeline available to them. In fact, all SNAP benefits were extremely curtailed for much of November, making the hardship of food insecurity and hunger for those in need in Pawling a deep and frightening reality. During October and November 2025, 30 additional families registered with the PRC for food pantry access, nearly doubling the rate of enrollment of new families in the previous two months.

For 50 years, the Pawling Resource Center has been a source of compassionate
help for neighbors who have fallen on difficult times. The PRC’s food pantry has provided healthy meal choices as an adjunct to whatever was affordable and available at local groceries. However, never has the PRC been called upon to provide all or most of what its families would need to get through a period of such extraordinary uncertainty.

Michael Alexander, executive director of the PRC, was able to shepherd the PRC through this crisis. Stepping up to meet this unprecedented challenge, he shared, “The recent federal government shutdown had frozen SNAP benefits for thousands of families in Dutchess County, including hundreds in Pawling. In response, the Pawling Resource Center expanded its food pantry services to meet the surge in need by enrolling new families, increasing food distributions, and partnering with local organizations like Camino Al Exito and the Dover Library. PRC remains one of the few pantries in the county open five days a week and is also helping stock the Pawling Library’s Community Fridge and Pantry. Thanks to emergency funding from Dutchess County and generous support from donors and groups like the Rotary Club and Farmers Market, PRC is working tirelessly to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. But the need continues to grow, and community support is more vital than ever.”

Specifically, in response to greater need, the PRC expanded food pantry access to client families from twice monthly to weekly. Food product delivery from various resources was increased by 1,800 pounds in November. Emergency funding from Dutchess County to county food pantries provided $1.5 million for 10 weeks this fall, which translated to an additional $5,000 per week to the PRC alone. Applications were made for additional grant funding from the Dyson Foundation and the Field Foundation to help to defray increased costs and allow the PRC to access more food by ordering in bulk. Partnerships with local farms provided fresh produce, and organizations like Camino Al Exito and the Dover Library participated in food
distribution within the Pawling and Dover communities. With the PRC having been designated a distribution point through Dutchess Outreach, a food distribution and relief program, PRC volunteers were busy organizing and preparing incoming product for appropriate allocation.

Mr. Alexander believes that increased need will continue well beyond the November emergency due to uncertainty about future SNAP benefits and inflated food prices. He expressed gratitude for the many volunteers (old and new) who have donated countless hours to make it possible for the PRC to continue to provide all needed services. The PRC reported a 10% increase in volunteer hours served during this crisis. “When the shutdown hit, families in Pawling faced empty cupboards. Thanks to community support, the PRC kept its doors open and its shelves stocked. Community generosity ensures that, no matter the crisis, no neighbor goes hungry,” he concluded.

Donations may be made to the PRC through its website at pawlingresourcecenter.org. Food donations may be dropped off during normal business hours. The Center needs canned goods, rice, Mata flour, beans, diapers in all sizes and paper goods.

–by Susan Stone